What Is Time and a Half?

“Time and a half” is the overtime premium employers owe non-exempt employees — 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.

What it means

Time and a half is 1.5× the regular rate of pay. If someone earns $18/hour, their time-and-a-half rate is $27/hour. Under federal law it's owed for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.

How to calculate it

Multiply the hourly rate by 1.5. Then multiply that by the number of overtime hours. Example: $18 × 1.5 = $27; 5 overtime hours × $27 = $135 in overtime pay on top of the regular 40 hours.

When it applies

Federally, after 40 hours in a workweek. Some states require it after 8 hours in a day, and a few require double-time (2×) past 12 hours. Holidays and weekends are not automatically time-and-a-half unless your policy or a contract says so.

Overtime calculator

FAQ

How much is time and a half of $20?

$30 per hour — $20 × 1.5.

Is time and a half required on holidays?

Not by federal law. Holiday premium pay is a voluntary benefit unless a policy or contract requires it.

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